Today it has finally hit me. In just 4 days I will be departing on my hike. This journey has built itself into something big. Hike for the Fallen has received more support than I could've ever imagined. I am humbled to be giving back to the fire service through hiking. I feel like I have packed and repacked my pack 100 times. I am really happy with where the weight is.(27lbs) fully loaded. here is a link to my pack weight via GearGrams.com Pack Weight. There are a few odds and ends missing but for the most part its all there.
Thursday morning I will be catching a flight to Newark, NJ where a close friend and mentor, Capt James Vance will be picking me up for a road trip to the trail head in Massachusetts. This in itself is a special moment, as it was Capt Vance and his family that took me in after my AT hike in 2010. James took a chance on some strange hiker from Georgia, helping me with my education and getting my foot in the door in fire and EMS. The love and respect I have for this man is beyond words. I am very much looking forward to this reunion. I remember in 2010 when James dropped me off back at the trail head. We had some small talk and discussed the possibility of returning to NJ. I'm certain he expected that to be the end of it, but by November 2010 I had moved in with James and his family while I started the EMS program and volunteering with Blue Ridge Rescue Squad. It all seems so long ago. I am fortunate and blessed with everything in my life, and the journey I have been on for the past 5 years. I am excited for the future.
I encourage you to follow me here as well as on my facebook. I will post as much as the terrain allows me to Feel free to post any question or comments you may have.
Big shout out to my CDP 2014 folks. The boys from Abilene, the Paris guys, Vegas PD, and ofcourse those lovely nurses from San Fran.
"shit it and get it boys"
"Family helps Family become Family.Family"
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